Stout is the expert

[UncleVinnys]

I've read a lot of books on detecting, and many magazine articles. I think Dick Stout is one of the top writers in the field. His "Metal Detecting the Hobby" is quite comprehensive and displays a broad range of knowledge for the intermediate to advanced detectorist. He writes many of the articles in W&E Treasure magazine. That book is now replaced by The "NEW metal detecting, the hobby" but I have not seen the latest edition.

Stout writes a lot for White's but I do not see any bias there.
Charles Garrett has some good books out, but they mention how wonderful Garrett detectors are just a wee bit too often.

For someone just getting started, or who has not yet bought a detector, I'd recommend
"Metal Detecting for the Beginner." You can get a 20% discount (essentially pays for the postage) at http://www.metaldet101.com/order.html

Warning: I am the author, and I AM biased too!

 

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[DFXDon]

You are right Stout is very good Ive read all his books , I have read most of Garrett's also but he repeats everything in all his books and uses the same pictures in them all too.
DFXDon

 

[Shortstack]

All of the Garrett books are just multi-paged advertisements for his detectors. You'll very seldom, if EVER, see mention of anyother brand of detector.